Mark your calendars for another WIFVNE & HSSW co-sponsored workshop:

PITCHING IT! with producer/talent agent Marilyn Atlas
Workshop and Pitch Session

Saturday, October 10th 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lutheran University Church
66 Winthrop St.
Cambridge, MA – in the heart of Harvard Square.

You’ve written a great screenplay.  It’s won awards or placed well in highly competitive contests.  You believe it is ready for “prime time.”  But how do you pitch it? In this 2 1/2 hour workshop, you’ll learn the do’s and don’ts from entertainment veteran, Marilyn Atlas.  Enrollment is limited to 20.  Deadline for sign-ups is Tuesday, October 6th at 5pm.

$45.00 for non-members: SIGN UP HERE
$40.00 for members of HSSW or WIFVNE: SIGN UP HERE

What students will learn: 

1)  What to include and not include in your pitch 

2)  Adapting your pitch to the audience you’re pitching to 

3)  Mistakes that writers make when pitching 

4)  Understanding the market and projects worthy of pitching 

5)  Importance of the hook 

6)  Refining your pitch.   How to distill the essence of your story into short, sharp, easily digestible bite-size parts.  
Know the difference between a log-line, an elevator pitch, and a 10-15 minute pitch. Learn the importance of tailoring your pitch depending on who you’re pitching to. Discover effective  buzzwords to use in a pitch.

Marilyn will work with brave volunteers to tighten and reveal the idiosyncratic narrative thrust of your story… assuming there is one!

About Marilyn:

An award-winning producer and personal manager of actors and writers, Marilyn R. Atlas is equally at home in the worlds of film, television, and live theater. Among her credits as film producer are Real Women Have Curves for HBO,A Certain Desire, starring Sam Waterston, and Echoes, which won the Gold Award at the Texas International Film Festival. In addition to producing a variety of programming for the cable/ pay TV market, Marilyn served as a production consultant on the film Call Me.

Marilyn is a member of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers. She has spoken at their Writers’ and Producers’ retreats, and the DGA-sponsored LA Asian Film Festival, as well as various other symposia for the Sherman Oaks Experimental College. Additionally, she was a guest lecturer in the Writing Program at USC for several years, where she taught a class on creating three-dimensional, non-stereotypical characters.

Her clients have appeared in shows such as Star Trek, Fringe, Pretty Little Liars, 90210, Revenge, Hart of Dixie,NCIS:LA, True Blood, Dexter, Chuck, Castle, and Criminal Minds. In addition, her clients have worked on feature films such as Holes, Transformers, and Ted 2.

Recently, Marilyn has been developing a miniseries and TV pilot based on the Gary Phillips series of novels featuring Martha Chainey. Her Lifetime movie The Choking Game, based on the YA book by Diana Lopez, aired in summer 2014 and she also spoke at the 2014 International Women’s Writer Festival in Italy.

Marilyn is the co-author of a screenwriting guide called Dating Your Character, an organic approach to character creation, slated for Stairway Press’s early 2016 catalog. She is also featured in the book Write Now! from Penguin/Tarcher.

The seventh annual “Points North Documentary Forum”, a unique feature  of the Camden International Film Festival (CIFF) delivered high quality master classes, workshops and panel presentations for filmmakers and film enthusiasts  from across New England and the U.S.

The three day forum took place from September 17^th to 20^th  in the scenic midcoast Maine towns of Camden, Rockport and Rockland. The forum featured masterclasses with noted documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney,whose intriguing documentary about Scientology “Going Clear” screened at the CIFF and David Teague, editor of “Cutie and the Boxer,” a documentary about two long married Japanese artists and their personal and artistic dilemmas.

One of the highlights of the forum was the sixth annual “Documentary Pitch” session featuring the work of six documentary teams from across the U.S., presented to a panel of 12 documentary experts. “Greywater”
a documentary about the challenges facing a middle aged mixed martial arts fighter, now in production and directed and produced  by Jeff Unay, took top honors

Seminars and workshops also included crowdfunding expert and CEO  of the crowdfunding and distribution platform “Seed and Spark, Emily Best; Vimeo Audience Development Expert Sam Morill and Christopher Allen of Union Docs, who discussed “Living Los Sures,” a multimedia project produced by 72 artists over the course of five years.

New this year was a special presentation of journalistic style documentary shorts from across the globe, “The New News: Documentary Journalism Showcase.” The screenings were followed by a panel discussion about the role of documentaries in news organizations with representatives of The New York Times Op Ed Docs; The Guardian and Frontline, moderated by Lauren Pabst of the Mac Arthur Foundation.

– Marilyn Pennell

Arts at the Armory Cafe, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA
Wednesday, September 30th 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Free parking behind building, food and beverages for sale
Donation $20.00 for non-members $15.00 for WIFV members and members of co-sponsor Harvard Square Script Writers
Introductory All-Student Rate $10.00
RSVP to our Meetup Group Event

Can short format films be the start of something bigger and better?  Or are they an often under-appreciated art form in their own right? Three women filmmakers will present their award-winning, innovative shorts and discuss what inspired them and how this format can lead to other projects of varying lengths and topics.

Featured:

At The Line directed by Sari Gagnon — A lesbian couple struggle over whether to stay in the closet or come out and jeopardize their careers in college basketball. This short is part of a feature length play of the same title, written by Lynne S. Brandon, produced by Rita Pirozkhov and created in collaboration with the Women Only Project. http://gagnonsari.wix.com/sarigagnon

After Ella written and directed by Marie Emmanuelle Hartness —  selected for the Short Film Corner at the Cannes International Film Festival & finalist from New England in the 2015 Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) Short Film Showcase contest. Hope, a photographer, begins receiving texts messages from her sister Ella.  There is only one issue — she is recently deceased.http://www.maiema.com/

Am I Not Your Girl? written and directed by Sara X Robin premiered at the 2014 Berlin Independent Film Festival, and has been shown in Film Festivals in over a dozen countries.  On the morning of her wedding, Lena wonders if it can possibly be worth it, given all of the difficulties.  http://saraxrobin.com/

co-sponsored by:

 

 

Sari Gagnon

Marie Emannuelle Hartness

Sara X. Robin

We are thrilled to share our 35th Anniversary Article in the September issue of IMAGINE Magazine.  The article can be viewed below in this post (click to zoom), or at this link: http://emag.imaginenews.com/index.aspx?issue=issue74&page=17

WIFVNE Celebrates 35th Anniversary

WIFVNE is grateful to Carol Patton, Publisher of IMAGINE Magazine, for her unwavering support of our organization and our members throughout the years.  “IMAGINE is in its 14th year of publication for another exhilarating year watching, nourishing, and growing the industry and celebrating the work in the Northeast. IMAGINE supports itself and its work through advertising and subscriptions.” SUBSCRIBE HERE:  http://imaginenews.com/subscribe/

We are thrilled to share our WIFVNE 2015 and Chapter History Article in the August issue of IMAGINE Magazine.  The article can be viewed below in this post (click to zoom), or at this link: http://emag.imaginenews.com/index.aspx?issue=issue73&page=11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WIFVNE is grateful to Carol Patton, Publisher of IMAGINE Magazine, for her unwavering support of our organization and our members throughout the years.  “IMAGINE is in its 14th year of publication for another exhilarating year watching, nourishing, and growing the industry and celebrating the work in the Northeast. IMAGINE supports itself and its work through advertising and subscriptions.” SUBSCRIBE HERE:  http://imaginenews.com/subscribe/

The Call for Entries to the 2016 WIFTI Short Film Showcase is open!

Women In Film & Television Short Film Showcase (“WIFTI Short-Case”) is a powerful demonstration of our members’ creativity, vision, and artistry. Founded in 2004, the Showcase presents selected films from WIFTI Chapters around the world; some of the recent Showcase short films have been nominated for Academy Awards received distribution deals and garnered other recognition globally.  WIFTI encourages unique points of view and storytelling that focus on subjects/issues that
concern women.

Women In Film and Television International (WIFTI) is a global network comprised of over forty Women In Film Chapters worldwide with over 10,000 members, dedicated to advancing professional development and achievement for women working in all areas of film, video
and digital media.

CASH prizes of $750 for each award: Best of Narration, Best of Documentary, Best of Animation. These prizes will be awarded to the director. WIFTI Producers & WIFTI Selection Committee will determine Final Selection and select a film from WIFTI Chapters.

2016 Deadlines:
September 1, 2015:  Early Submission
October 15 2015:      Deadline for Entries
January 8 2016:        Final Short-Case Announced
February 8 2016:      Jury Selection of Award Winners
March 8 2016:           WIFTI Short-Case Screenings

SUBMISSION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS:
1) Upload your video to VIMEO, with a secured, protected password for use of WIFTI Short-Case Producers, Jury and Chapter representatives ONLY.

2) Click here and complete the Submission Form

3) Email 2 photos (jpeg only): 1 color photo of the director and 1 color photo of production such as poster or filmgrab.

– Entrants must be a current member of WIFVNE or another WIFTI Chapter
– Entry Project running time up to 15 minutes
– Entry Project must be less than two years old
– Must have a woman director, plus women in two other key positions
– Early Submission/Preliminary Review: September 1 (This rough cut does not need subtitles. If requested, the filmmaker will receive written feedback from WIFTI Producers and can resubmit by Final Deadline.)
–  Submit by Final Deadline October 15 (subtitled in English)
–  Contact wiftishowcase@gmail.com, if you have questions or require further information.

FAQ’s About WIFTI Short-Case:

How long has WIFTI presented the Showcase?
This is the 11th Anniversary of the Showcase and celebrated on International Women’s Day, March 8 by WIFTI Chapters all over the world.

Will there be a Jury?
Finalists of WIFTI Short-Case will be judged by an international Jury of professionals in the industry, including the WIFTI Producers. The selection process will involve an evaluation of all films in their entirety.

When will the Final Short-Case be shown?
The Final Selection and the award-winning films will be presented by each chapter on March 8th and subsequent screenings throughout the year.

 

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFO ON A WIFVNE HOSTED, FALL 2015 SCREENING OF LAST YEAR’S SHOWCASE WINNERS!
2015WIFTIShortcaseFinalists

The Simmons College Cinematic Society is holding its second annual International Women’s Film Forum on Saturday, April 18th at the college in the main campus building at 300 The Fenway,  from 12pm to 6pm with a reception to follow. WIFNVE is a co-sponsor of this free event which will feature films produced and directed by women from around the globe. This event has “greatly inspired  students, encouraging them to make their own films,”  according to Simmons College Professor Judith Richland, director of the Film Forum.

Schedule of Films: http://www.simmons.edu/events/school/cas/iwff

Festival Director and Simmons Faculty, Judith Richland discusses the IWFF:  http://www.simmons.edu/news/college-of-arts-and-sciences/2015/march/iwff-2015

We’ve extended the deadline for Board nomination submissions!  We are seeking five new Board members to serve for a two year term.  Submissions due to Joan Cassin by Monday, April 27th. PLEASE NOTE: WIFVNE will send all members an electronic ballot with information on the candidates on May 11th.  Member voting will end on May 18th.  New Board officers will be elected at the June 2nd Board meeting.  Nominated members interested in pursuing positions as President, VP, Treasurer, or Secretary should indicate this in their application.

We hope to see you at the Annual Members Meeting on April 22nd, where we can answer any questions you may have about serving on the WIFVNE Board of Directors.

Criteria for submission:

– Must currently be a member in good standing – Join/Renew membership here.

– Must have one year, minimum, professional experience in any area of film or television or video industry. 

– Include a short CV. 

– Include a paragraph on why you want to serve on the WIFV/NE board and what skills and experience you would bring. 

– Include name and contact info (phone and email) for one regional media professional who is willing to act as reference/recommendation.

Board members serve a two year term and will be expected to attend regular meetings and to participate in activities and events in support of the organization.

Join us for our 2015:

Annual Members Meeting

Wednesday, April 22nd
6:30pm to 9:30pm

Sign in/Networking: 6:30pm to 7:00pm

Community Room – Nonprofit Center

89 South Street, Boston MA 02111

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wifvne-annual-members-meeting-tickets-16176156319

Please note: Only current members may attend.  Join/Renew here or at the meeting.

The board members of WIFVNE are looking forward to sharing all the highlights of our past year with you – our members!  We will be opening up new board nominations as well as breaking out into brainstorming sessions for the second half of the evening.  

This meeting is your chance to participate in shaping the programs and resources of WIFVNE for the coming year.  It is your opportunity to share the highlights of your work in 2014 and your plans for 2015. We hope you’ll attend, and contribute your talent and energies.  It is members like you who have contributed to the success and longevity of Women in Film & Video New England as we enter our 35th year! 

Directions & Parking Info: http://nonprofitcenterboston.org/directions

Work in Progress Screening & Thank You Party! – December 5th

You are cordially invited to join us for a fun filled Work in Progress Film Screening & Thank You Party! The screening is for WIFVNE Board Member, Marilyn Pennell’s documentary film: “The Way Home: Journey of Family and Faith” about three generations of Tibetan women in one family struggling to keep their culture alive while unraveling the puzzle of new lives in America.

Date: Friday, 12/5 starting at 7PM

Venue: Arts at the Armory
191 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143
617-718-2191 info@artsatthearmory.org

Door Prizes and Refreshments! (cash bar)

Admission: FREE- Bring your family and friends!!!!
Parking: Onsite (behind building) and overflow lots

RSVP by 11/28 or before to: Marilyn@womeninfilmvideo.org

For more information about the film: http://thewayhomejourney.com/

WIFVNE is Member Supported!  If your membership has lapsed please consider renewing or making a donation.  Your tax-deductible support helps to keep our chapter going!